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Home
Someone has broken into Zoe's flat. A man she thought she'd never have to see again.
They call him the Hand of God.
He knows about her job in the cafe, her life in Dublin, her ex-girlfriend, even the knife she's hidden under the mattress.
She thought she'd left him far behind, along with the cult of the Children and their isolated compound Home – but now he's found her, and she knows she must go back to rescue the sister who helped her escape all those years before.
But returning to Home means going back to the enforced worship and strict gender roles Zoe has long since moved beyond; back to the abuse and indoctrination she's fought desperately to overcome.
Going back will make her question everything she believed about her past – but could also risk her hard-won freedom. Can she break free a second time?
One – My name is Zoe
Two – I am here to rescue my sister Amy
Three – Nothing anyone says here is true
Four –
Four –
What is my fourth true thing?
They call him the Hand of God.
He knows about her job in the cafe, her life in Dublin, her ex-girlfriend, even the knife she's hidden under the mattress.
She thought she'd left him far behind, along with the cult of the Children and their isolated compound Home – but now he's found her, and she knows she must go back to rescue the sister who helped her escape all those years before.
But returning to Home means going back to the enforced worship and strict gender roles Zoe has long since moved beyond; back to the abuse and indoctrination she's fought desperately to overcome.
Going back will make her question everything she believed about her past – but could also risk her hard-won freedom. Can she break free a second time?
One – My name is Zoe
Two – I am here to rescue my sister Amy
Three – Nothing anyone says here is true
Four –
Four –
What is my fourth true thing?
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2023
14 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Cailean Steed
3 books18 followersCailean Steed is a writer, teacher and aspiring dog owner who lives in Helensburgh with their husband and son. They have also resided in Aberdeen and Dublin, and hope one day to live somewhere with less rain. Cailean's work has been published by New Writing Scotland, Boudicca Press and Barren Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
June 15, 2022
I'm very lucky to have read an early copy of this, thanks to Raven Books! This is such a gripping portrait of a young woman raised in a cult environment - after she believed she'd escaped into a normal life, a figure from her past returns and tells Zoe something that compels her to do the unthinkable by willingly returning to the cult she fled. This whole sequence with her previous captor returning to her flat was wildly tense, and the story maintains that same tension and suspense throughout, while also delving into the emotional complexities of what attracts people to cults, what it means to come home to oneself, and what kinds of sacrifices people are willing to make for others.
Steed shows us Zoe as a child navigating the strange structures of a remote, tightly guarded compound; they also explore Zoe's time in the larger world, attempting to acclimate to the world and discover her own identity (with the help of some incredibly lovely friends/mentors, among my favorite characters); and then the present-day sections follow Zoe as she returns to the cult on a risky, possibly doomed mission. All of these sections intertwine elegantly, and it's amazing to see Zoe grow as a character. There's a particularly unique relationship between Zoe and one of the higher-ups in the cult structure that shows a lot of nuance in exploring how being special/chosen can be weaponized -- and then reclaimed.
The whole premise feels incredibly grounded (for example, Zoe researches the psychology of cults while living on her own and has to come to terms with the fact that she was raised in one) while also including original aspects. At its heart, HOME is a thriller about survival, trauma, belonging, and the stubborn, beautiful bonds that push people to fight back against even the bleakest circumstances.
Steed shows us Zoe as a child navigating the strange structures of a remote, tightly guarded compound; they also explore Zoe's time in the larger world, attempting to acclimate to the world and discover her own identity (with the help of some incredibly lovely friends/mentors, among my favorite characters); and then the present-day sections follow Zoe as she returns to the cult on a risky, possibly doomed mission. All of these sections intertwine elegantly, and it's amazing to see Zoe grow as a character. There's a particularly unique relationship between Zoe and one of the higher-ups in the cult structure that shows a lot of nuance in exploring how being special/chosen can be weaponized -- and then reclaimed.
The whole premise feels incredibly grounded (for example, Zoe researches the psychology of cults while living on her own and has to come to terms with the fact that she was raised in one) while also including original aspects. At its heart, HOME is a thriller about survival, trauma, belonging, and the stubborn, beautiful bonds that push people to fight back against even the bleakest circumstances.
August 28, 2022
4.5 stars
Ok, apologies in advance because this book isn’t out till 2023, and I’m already saying it’s a must-read if you enjoy cult settings and a menacing plot.
I loved this tense, stomach-churning novel about life in a cult. Zoe is born there, and luckily escapes, but disastrously ends up back there again.
It’s told in two timelines: Zoe as a child, and Zoe now and is set in Ireland and the UK. I loved that it explored the psychological aspects of cults and just how people become indoctrinated into them. Corruption, abuse, and the keeping women down theme makes this a gut wrenching and angry read, but I couldn’t look away.
I loved Zoe, born to be obedient and timid, she is a strange mix of shy fade-to-the-background girl and kickass warrior. A rebellion lurks behind her downcast eyes.
I read it furiously within a very unsettling 24 hour period, as I just had to see what happened. The short chapter format that ends on a point of tension made it impossible to put down too. It’s a rollercoaster.
What a debut! Highly recommended.
Ok, apologies in advance because this book isn’t out till 2023, and I’m already saying it’s a must-read if you enjoy cult settings and a menacing plot.
I loved this tense, stomach-churning novel about life in a cult. Zoe is born there, and luckily escapes, but disastrously ends up back there again.
It’s told in two timelines: Zoe as a child, and Zoe now and is set in Ireland and the UK. I loved that it explored the psychological aspects of cults and just how people become indoctrinated into them. Corruption, abuse, and the keeping women down theme makes this a gut wrenching and angry read, but I couldn’t look away.
I loved Zoe, born to be obedient and timid, she is a strange mix of shy fade-to-the-background girl and kickass warrior. A rebellion lurks behind her downcast eyes.
I read it furiously within a very unsettling 24 hour period, as I just had to see what happened. The short chapter format that ends on a point of tension made it impossible to put down too. It’s a rollercoaster.
What a debut! Highly recommended.
November 29, 2022
I feel bad giving this such a low review as I really kindly received an advance proof from Raven books so thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it so early. My review is based solely off that proof so things might change and be edited for the final published version.
Home follows a woman called Zoe who has previously escaped a cult but who now wants to go back to save her sister. The writing was really bad - so many awkward sentences and phrases which made me cringe reading. I kept saying I’d give it another chapter but on every page there was sentence or paragraph that was just badly crafted and I couldn’t get past it. Along with this I found a lot of the way actions were written really confusing - like there was no clarity with how movements were written and I found myself getting lost with who was supposed to be where. For example there was a part where Zoe pushes a door back against an guard to try and escape through it and then it was just written that there was big tangle of limbs and she ended up on the floor.
I also felt there was a lack of atmosphere, urgency and just general creepiness that you want when you read a book about a cult. The tone of the writing was very flat.
Structure-wise it was interesting having the novel switch between ‘then’ and ‘now’ but the short changers between both meant often times it was hard to tell what was taking place where, and I think with a lack of strong plot as well the book just felt a bit muddled.
I’m sad I didn’t enjoy this as I was really looking forward to it.
Home follows a woman called Zoe who has previously escaped a cult but who now wants to go back to save her sister. The writing was really bad - so many awkward sentences and phrases which made me cringe reading. I kept saying I’d give it another chapter but on every page there was sentence or paragraph that was just badly crafted and I couldn’t get past it. Along with this I found a lot of the way actions were written really confusing - like there was no clarity with how movements were written and I found myself getting lost with who was supposed to be where. For example there was a part where Zoe pushes a door back against an guard to try and escape through it and then it was just written that there was big tangle of limbs and she ended up on the floor.
I also felt there was a lack of atmosphere, urgency and just general creepiness that you want when you read a book about a cult. The tone of the writing was very flat.
Structure-wise it was interesting having the novel switch between ‘then’ and ‘now’ but the short changers between both meant often times it was hard to tell what was taking place where, and I think with a lack of strong plot as well the book just felt a bit muddled.
I’m sad I didn’t enjoy this as I was really looking forward to it.
April 19, 2024
A fantastic novel – so pacy and thought-provoking, with great characterisation and a supremely excellent ending. I highly recommend it.
March 10, 2023
I didn't like the way this book was written the characters were not fully explained and it was sort of in the third person which really didn't interest me
August 9, 2023
Home by Cailean Steed is a haunting and compelling story about the perils of cults and the fight for freedom and individuality. The book follows the story of Zoe, who had escaped from the isolated compound Home along with her sister, and has been living a life of independence in Dublin. However, her past comes back to haunt her when a man she thought she'd left behind breaks into her flat and forces her to return to Home to rescue her sister.
What follows is a gripping narrative that explores the dangers of religious extremism and how it can lead to the subjugation of individuals and their identities. Cailean Steed does an excellent job of bringing to attention the gender roles and expectations that are still present in society today, and how they can be used as tools of oppression by those in power. The story is similar in tone and creepiness as Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale, but with its own unique take on the theme.
The characters in the book are well-developed and memorable. Zoe is a strong and relatable protagonist who struggles with the conflicting emotions of wanting to save her sister while also dreading returning to the oppressive environment of Home. Her inner turmoil is expertly conveyed, and the reader is fully invested in her journey. The other characters, both good and bad, are also well-drawn, with each one having a unique personality and motivations.
What I loved most about this book was how it kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The tension is palpable, and the stakes are high, as Zoe risks everything to rescue her sister. Cailean Steed's writing style is gripping and immersive, and I found myself fully immersed in the world of the book.
Overall, Home is a five-star read that I loved from start to finish. Cailean Steed is a new auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves thought-provoking stories about freedom, identity, and the fight for survival in a world that seeks to subjugate. Highly recommended!
What follows is a gripping narrative that explores the dangers of religious extremism and how it can lead to the subjugation of individuals and their identities. Cailean Steed does an excellent job of bringing to attention the gender roles and expectations that are still present in society today, and how they can be used as tools of oppression by those in power. The story is similar in tone and creepiness as Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale, but with its own unique take on the theme.
The characters in the book are well-developed and memorable. Zoe is a strong and relatable protagonist who struggles with the conflicting emotions of wanting to save her sister while also dreading returning to the oppressive environment of Home. Her inner turmoil is expertly conveyed, and the reader is fully invested in her journey. The other characters, both good and bad, are also well-drawn, with each one having a unique personality and motivations.
What I loved most about this book was how it kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The tension is palpable, and the stakes are high, as Zoe risks everything to rescue her sister. Cailean Steed's writing style is gripping and immersive, and I found myself fully immersed in the world of the book.
Overall, Home is a five-star read that I loved from start to finish. Cailean Steed is a new auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves thought-provoking stories about freedom, identity, and the fight for survival in a world that seeks to subjugate. Highly recommended!
November 9, 2022
When I read the synopsis for this book I was immediately interested I have a deep fascination for anything to do with cults so I requested and was granted it from NetGalley. The book is not an easy read it deals with some uncomfortable issues mainly dealing with control and coercion however the author has dealt with this in a sympathetic way I think. It’s the story of Zoe/Catherine and is told in two timelines then and now which I did think at times to be a little confusing but overall it kept my attention throughout. I’m not sure if I liked the read or not and I can’t explain why but I think with the subject matter being a difficult one I found it hard to connect with the characters. So for me a 3 star read and I do look forward to reading more from Cailean Steed in the future.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, Raven Books for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, Raven Books for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 16, 2023
If any of my pals are reading this review, please read this book so we can chat about it!
This was such an impactful book. I both didn’t want to put it down but also was so scared to read what happened next. It was so tense
I loved the dual point of view, it worked so well in filling in some blanks for the reader
I felt that the writing felt almost fragmented in points really worked well as a tool for amplifying Zoe’s unreliable memory/plain lack of memories. I love an unreliable narrator and I feel that Zoe was accidentally unreliable at points because she just didn’t know what happened
I read this entire book wanting a happy ending but terrified that it wouldn’t come. Every time I turned a page I need to scan the next page because I was so worried about what was going to happen
This was a standout read
This was such an impactful book. I both didn’t want to put it down but also was so scared to read what happened next. It was so tense
I loved the dual point of view, it worked so well in filling in some blanks for the reader
I felt that the writing felt almost fragmented in points really worked well as a tool for amplifying Zoe’s unreliable memory/plain lack of memories. I love an unreliable narrator and I feel that Zoe was accidentally unreliable at points because she just didn’t know what happened
I read this entire book wanting a happy ending but terrified that it wouldn’t come. Every time I turned a page I need to scan the next page because I was so worried about what was going to happen
This was a standout read
May 6, 2024
It was hella boring. I liked the idea and the concept, splitting the chapters into "now" and "then, but my god, the switch happened every other page. That was simply irritating. The ending was mediocre at best. And also a pretty much open end??? I read over 300 boring ass pages about this character and you're giving me an OPEN END?! Guuuuuurl. No.
January 3, 2023
Zoe works in a Dublin café. One day, she returns from work to the safety of her flat, but inside she finds a man dressed in all black. She recognises him as The Hand of God, the right hand man of the Father, leader of the cult, The Children.
Zoe escaped the cult few years ago. She is trying hard to rebuild her life with the help of Meg, the owner of the café, who took Zoe under her wing.
The Hand of God shows Zoe (although he calls her Catherine as this was her name while she was indoctrinated) a photo featuring her sister, Amy. He informs her that Amy is in danger and Zoe/Catherine returns to the cult to save her sister. Will she succeed?
I loved this book from start to finish.
I enjoyed the alternating chapters of ‘Then’ and ‘Now’. I was particularly hooked to the chapters relating to the past, however, they weren’t easy to read. There are descriptions of cruelty, abuse, which may be triggering for some people. I was shocked to read the cult’s detached way of raising babies.
Zoe was such a strong character. Born into the cult, she rose against the adversity and managed to escape. The love for her sister made her return to the cult, so she could save her.
This is such a fabulous, yet shocking read. I definitely recommend it.
Zoe escaped the cult few years ago. She is trying hard to rebuild her life with the help of Meg, the owner of the café, who took Zoe under her wing.
The Hand of God shows Zoe (although he calls her Catherine as this was her name while she was indoctrinated) a photo featuring her sister, Amy. He informs her that Amy is in danger and Zoe/Catherine returns to the cult to save her sister. Will she succeed?
I loved this book from start to finish.
I enjoyed the alternating chapters of ‘Then’ and ‘Now’. I was particularly hooked to the chapters relating to the past, however, they weren’t easy to read. There are descriptions of cruelty, abuse, which may be triggering for some people. I was shocked to read the cult’s detached way of raising babies.
Zoe was such a strong character. Born into the cult, she rose against the adversity and managed to escape. The love for her sister made her return to the cult, so she could save her.
This is such a fabulous, yet shocking read. I definitely recommend it.
August 7, 2022
First off I was instantly drawn towards this novel because I have always been fascinated with the way in which cults work and the way people are drawn into them. Ever since ‘The girls’ the subject of cults has been very popular but I devoured ‘Home’, because it gives a fresh and thrilling spin on the subject.
Steed’s main character, Zoe is carving out her new life, away from the oppressive place she was born into. Then a figure from that old life turns up and insists that she must return to help her friend in danger. Zoe cannot walk away from the only person who helped her escape the compound so she must return but escaping a second time could be impossible. Whilst reading this story I loved the duality between the physical escape and the way Zoe has to relive her repressed memories from her time in the cult.
I loved how Steed creates a protagonist who is truly stronger than she realises and in doing so, the entire novel is original and darkly compelling. Towards the end of the story the pace and pressure definitely heightens and I found myself racing to the conclusion. The story deals with some extremely uncomfortable issues that are hard to read but Steed’s focus on the unbreakable bonds of friendship that helps people get through even the bleakest of moments. This is definitely a compelling story that will stay with me for a long time to come: A stunning debut.
Steed’s main character, Zoe is carving out her new life, away from the oppressive place she was born into. Then a figure from that old life turns up and insists that she must return to help her friend in danger. Zoe cannot walk away from the only person who helped her escape the compound so she must return but escaping a second time could be impossible. Whilst reading this story I loved the duality between the physical escape and the way Zoe has to relive her repressed memories from her time in the cult.
I loved how Steed creates a protagonist who is truly stronger than she realises and in doing so, the entire novel is original and darkly compelling. Towards the end of the story the pace and pressure definitely heightens and I found myself racing to the conclusion. The story deals with some extremely uncomfortable issues that are hard to read but Steed’s focus on the unbreakable bonds of friendship that helps people get through even the bleakest of moments. This is definitely a compelling story that will stay with me for a long time to come: A stunning debut.
March 11, 2023
Home by Cailean Steed
Zoe loves her life, her job in the Underpass Cafe and her best friend Meg but her life wasn’t always this simple and her name wasn’t always Zoe. When the man she knows as The Hand of God turns up with news that her sister is in danger, Zoe knows she must return to the cult she escaped in order to save her.
Cults are such a fascinating subject so I was really looking forward to reading this book and it definitely doesn’t disappoint! Told in then and now timelines we learn about Zoe’s life growing up within a cult and how it’s impacted the person she’s become today.
Discovering your true identity is a major theme within the book - the identities you’re given, the identity you choose for yourself and even the impact of having your identity removed altogether. I thought this was really well done and tied in brilliantly with the theme of familial bonds, both the family you’re born into and the people who become family along the way.
Home is a fast paced thriller with a protagonist you will be rooting for all the way through. It’s quite a dark story at times but one I’d highly recommend!
Zoe loves her life, her job in the Underpass Cafe and her best friend Meg but her life wasn’t always this simple and her name wasn’t always Zoe. When the man she knows as The Hand of God turns up with news that her sister is in danger, Zoe knows she must return to the cult she escaped in order to save her.
Cults are such a fascinating subject so I was really looking forward to reading this book and it definitely doesn’t disappoint! Told in then and now timelines we learn about Zoe’s life growing up within a cult and how it’s impacted the person she’s become today.
Discovering your true identity is a major theme within the book - the identities you’re given, the identity you choose for yourself and even the impact of having your identity removed altogether. I thought this was really well done and tied in brilliantly with the theme of familial bonds, both the family you’re born into and the people who become family along the way.
Home is a fast paced thriller with a protagonist you will be rooting for all the way through. It’s quite a dark story at times but one I’d highly recommend!
January 24, 2023
I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve long since been interested in cults and have watched countless documentaries about them and a number of books, with that being said this book was much more than I ever could have imagined. It was so dark I had to keep having breaks then continuing.
The story flips between Catherine/Zoe in Now & Then, Zoe has a relatively normal life living in a little flat and working in a cafe, she’s trying to move on after escaping the cult and she’s doing well until someone from her past appears and offers her the chance to go back and get the one thing back that she’s always wanted, her sister!.
I felt that the ending could have given us more or could have had an epilogue so we got to see what happened. That didn’t take away from the rest of the story at all though.
I’ve long since been interested in cults and have watched countless documentaries about them and a number of books, with that being said this book was much more than I ever could have imagined. It was so dark I had to keep having breaks then continuing.
The story flips between Catherine/Zoe in Now & Then, Zoe has a relatively normal life living in a little flat and working in a cafe, she’s trying to move on after escaping the cult and she’s doing well until someone from her past appears and offers her the chance to go back and get the one thing back that she’s always wanted, her sister!.
I felt that the ending could have given us more or could have had an epilogue so we got to see what happened. That didn’t take away from the rest of the story at all though.
February 17, 2023
3.5 stars.
I have always found stories about cults fascinating, so when I saw what this was about, especially the whole escaping and returning element to it, I was immediately intrigued. The dual timelines, of 'then' and 'now', were a good plot device in providing a sense of mystery and tension for the reader, propelling us towards finding out what happened in the past to lead Zoe/Catherine to where she is in the present day. However, I do think that the rigidity in every chapter alternating between the two, with no leeway, did cause some of the flow of the story to be lost at times. There were a couple of instances where I felt it would have been better off if Steed allowed for more of one story to be told before swapping to the other. The relationship between Steed's protagonist and the 'Hand of God' character was interesting, and added an extra layer to this story, and I will definitely be keeping my eye out for whatever the next work from Steed is!
I have always found stories about cults fascinating, so when I saw what this was about, especially the whole escaping and returning element to it, I was immediately intrigued. The dual timelines, of 'then' and 'now', were a good plot device in providing a sense of mystery and tension for the reader, propelling us towards finding out what happened in the past to lead Zoe/Catherine to where she is in the present day. However, I do think that the rigidity in every chapter alternating between the two, with no leeway, did cause some of the flow of the story to be lost at times. There were a couple of instances where I felt it would have been better off if Steed allowed for more of one story to be told before swapping to the other. The relationship between Steed's protagonist and the 'Hand of God' character was interesting, and added an extra layer to this story, and I will definitely be keeping my eye out for whatever the next work from Steed is!
Want to read
January 8, 2023this might be the mental illness speaking but i saw this author say that the musical equivalent of this debut is "the wild youth" ep by daughter and i immediately ascended into a different realm.
"the wild youth" (and all of daughter's discography) was the first ever album i remember fully worshipping. youth is the original trauma song.
"the wild youth" (and all of daughter's discography) was the first ever album i remember fully worshipping. youth is the original trauma song.
January 17, 2023
Zoe is living in Dublin, free from her former life in the cult of Children, until a man from her past turns up. The last thing she wants to do is go back to the place she escaped from, yet when she realises her sister is in danger she is faced with the decision of whether to risk returning.
I could barely put down this incredible book.
I love a book that makes me think about topics that wouldn't usually cross my mind. Like most people I had heard of cults before. However, what really caught my attention was how you don't normally stop to think what happens to people after they have escaped. Physical freedom doesn't necessarily mean psychological freedom. This was really well demonstrated throughout Cailean Steed's writing. Every detail is well-crafted and makes the characters so real and believable.
There was such a tense atmosphere from the very first page that made it completely absorbing. The story switches between the past and present day which created a fast pace.
I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I could barely put down this incredible book.
I love a book that makes me think about topics that wouldn't usually cross my mind. Like most people I had heard of cults before. However, what really caught my attention was how you don't normally stop to think what happens to people after they have escaped. Physical freedom doesn't necessarily mean psychological freedom. This was really well demonstrated throughout Cailean Steed's writing. Every detail is well-crafted and makes the characters so real and believable.
There was such a tense atmosphere from the very first page that made it completely absorbing. The story switches between the past and present day which created a fast pace.
I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
November 15, 2024
Review to follow xxx
October 25, 2022
1.5/5 stars rounded down to one.
First things first, the rating if not anything else is a retaliation for the slump this book put me into.
Second, I can’t believe how utterly stupid this whole thing was. I don’t understand how any of this could even work and guess what? The book conveniently doesn’t give answers to anything.
The ending alone is enough to hate this whole thing.
I was expecting the suspense to come the whole time but what I got instead was a slowly building giant plot hole.
Half the things we learn are through the eyes of a kid who doesn’t know or understand anything about anything and the other half are from the words of psychopaths. The in between information we get is scarce and too little to make any impact on anything.
I still don’t get why everyone is so fucked up, how they just decide to stay, how this whole place in still going, how all these murders were so easily concealed, how exactly this cult works, how the institution to bring it down works and many other crucial questions.
You could just read the synopsis and you literally will know every that happened in this book, nothing else is answered.
Thank you NetGalley, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc & Raven Books for the digital ARC.
First things first, the rating if not anything else is a retaliation for the slump this book put me into.
Second, I can’t believe how utterly stupid this whole thing was. I don’t understand how any of this could even work and guess what? The book conveniently doesn’t give answers to anything.
The ending alone is enough to hate this whole thing.
I was expecting the suspense to come the whole time but what I got instead was a slowly building giant plot hole.
Half the things we learn are through the eyes of a kid who doesn’t know or understand anything about anything and the other half are from the words of psychopaths. The in between information we get is scarce and too little to make any impact on anything.
I still don’t get why everyone is so fucked up, how they just decide to stay, how this whole place in still going, how all these murders were so easily concealed, how exactly this cult works, how the institution to bring it down works and many other crucial questions.
You could just read the synopsis and you literally will know every that happened in this book, nothing else is answered.
Thank you NetGalley, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc & Raven Books for the digital ARC.
November 26, 2022
A book involving cults? Gotta read it. Honestly I’m a little obsessed with them and how people get suckered in and oftentimes aren’t able to get out. But anyways, THIS BOOK, this book was an absolutely incredible debut if ever I’ve read one. Zoe is a beautifully complex character who shows such incredible growth and strength throughout the book that all I wanted to do was hug her. I whipped through this in half a day because I just didn’t want to put it down, and I actually couldn’t, I tried many times and the book just wouldn’t leave me hands.
This is going to be a major read on everyone’s lists in 2023.
Thank you Raven Books for sending me a proof of this one.
This is going to be a major read on everyone’s lists in 2023.
Thank you Raven Books for sending me a proof of this one.
July 14, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Cailean Steed and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After leaving a cult and creating a 'normal' life, Zoe, previously known as Catherine, is visited by a man known as the hands of God. He proposes she go back to the cult, and through dual POV's the reason she's willing to go back is revealed.
Whilst the premise was interesting, the different POV's were confusing sometimes, and the end left a lot of unfinished questions.
After leaving a cult and creating a 'normal' life, Zoe, previously known as Catherine, is visited by a man known as the hands of God. He proposes she go back to the cult, and through dual POV's the reason she's willing to go back is revealed.
Whilst the premise was interesting, the different POV's were confusing sometimes, and the end left a lot of unfinished questions.
March 1, 2023
Amazing, so original. Can't stop thinking about the story and events. Great themes throughout as well which makes you think along the way. Fantastic
October 8, 2023
⛪️ “More like pruning a flower so a new bud can grow. It’s not a violent thing. You can love what you were and still grow beyond it” ⛪️
‼️FOR FANS OF HANDMAIDS TALE‼️
Home is the debut novel from our very own @caileansteedauthor and is a gripping account of survival, love, community and identity.
Zoe has a new life in Dublin; a new home away from “Home” the cult where she was forced to grow up. That is until He comes back to find her, forcing her back into the shackles of Home and a mission to save the sister who helped her escape.
In amongst this thrilling, gripping read is a beautiful exploration of gender and identity. What it means to be a family and how those we may think have our best interests at heart often do not. These are both things that Zoe didn’t have the freedom to think about and explore for herself in the confines of home.. so to see her open up to these concepts in Dublin with Meg made for a touching read. This depth is often missing from a thriller.. and it’s here in abundance.
“You are not nothing” she said. “No one is nothing. You can be a man or a woman or whatever you want, Zoe, but you’ll never be nothing”
BUT, if it’s just a thrilling read your after it doesn’t shy away from this. It often felt like a dystopian and then other times like an undercover docuseries where we got to see inside an impenetrable cult environment. I know people have said it before but this would 100% be fantastic on the screen! 📺
Zoe felt very precious and I had the urge to protect her at all costs. So putting her inside such a dangerous and volatile environment had me on the edge of my seat. And Hand… i felt myself being manipulated by him alongside Zoe.. was he good? Was he bad? Brainwashed or in the know?
You’ll need to read the book to find out!
‼️FOR FANS OF HANDMAIDS TALE‼️
Home is the debut novel from our very own @caileansteedauthor and is a gripping account of survival, love, community and identity.
Zoe has a new life in Dublin; a new home away from “Home” the cult where she was forced to grow up. That is until He comes back to find her, forcing her back into the shackles of Home and a mission to save the sister who helped her escape.
In amongst this thrilling, gripping read is a beautiful exploration of gender and identity. What it means to be a family and how those we may think have our best interests at heart often do not. These are both things that Zoe didn’t have the freedom to think about and explore for herself in the confines of home.. so to see her open up to these concepts in Dublin with Meg made for a touching read. This depth is often missing from a thriller.. and it’s here in abundance.
“You are not nothing” she said. “No one is nothing. You can be a man or a woman or whatever you want, Zoe, but you’ll never be nothing”
BUT, if it’s just a thrilling read your after it doesn’t shy away from this. It often felt like a dystopian and then other times like an undercover docuseries where we got to see inside an impenetrable cult environment. I know people have said it before but this would 100% be fantastic on the screen! 📺
Zoe felt very precious and I had the urge to protect her at all costs. So putting her inside such a dangerous and volatile environment had me on the edge of my seat. And Hand… i felt myself being manipulated by him alongside Zoe.. was he good? Was he bad? Brainwashed or in the know?
You’ll need to read the book to find out!
October 29, 2023
The Handmaid's Tale aside, I’m not really a fan of books on cults. Peer pressure got to to me with this one though and I’m glad it did.
It took me a few chapters to get my head round the ‘then’ and ‘now’ structure of this book but once I did I found this to be such a clever way of telling the current story and giving background to Zoes involvement with the cult.
Zoes' often fragmented or distorted accounts of incidents add to the tension that hangs over the story as the reader can't be sure they’re getting the whole story.
In places this is an uncomfortable read particularly some of the accounts of the treatment of women in the cult but I enjoyed how Zoe in her present life has the chance to read and understand more about the psychology of cults and come to terms with her own experience.
The idea of identity runs through this book. The identity you choose, the identity imposed upon you and that definitely gives you food for thought.
A clever and assured read and I look forward to more from Cailean
It took me a few chapters to get my head round the ‘then’ and ‘now’ structure of this book but once I did I found this to be such a clever way of telling the current story and giving background to Zoes involvement with the cult.
Zoes' often fragmented or distorted accounts of incidents add to the tension that hangs over the story as the reader can't be sure they’re getting the whole story.
In places this is an uncomfortable read particularly some of the accounts of the treatment of women in the cult but I enjoyed how Zoe in her present life has the chance to read and understand more about the psychology of cults and come to terms with her own experience.
The idea of identity runs through this book. The identity you choose, the identity imposed upon you and that definitely gives you food for thought.
A clever and assured read and I look forward to more from Cailean
January 18, 2024
This book gripped me from the start! It took me a while to read it (nothing to do with the book itself, purely my attention spam takes a battering when faced with a real book after falling in love with my kindle) but evety time I picked it up I could recall every event and detail.
After escaping the cult she was born into Zoe needs to head back in order to save her blood sister. This felt very "Handsmaid Tail"-esque and I loved trying to work out whether she was rebrainwashed or always one step ahead on her return journey.
One thing I loved about the book was the split time between THEN and NOW. Both working up to the finale perfectly.
After escaping the cult she was born into Zoe needs to head back in order to save her blood sister. This felt very "Handsmaid Tail"-esque and I loved trying to work out whether she was rebrainwashed or always one step ahead on her return journey.
One thing I loved about the book was the split time between THEN and NOW. Both working up to the finale perfectly.
November 18, 2023
I've always been interested in cults - how they work, what draws people to them, etc. and this book provided a really fascinating insight. It was tense, heart breaking and I really struggled to put it down.
February 28, 2024
Such assured writing for a debut. Strong world building - I totally bought the world of the Children after only a few pages. I really liked the ending too, satisfying yet leaves you with lots of questions and I certainly wouldn't say no to a sequel.
February 1, 2024
Zoe works in a Dublin cafe. Leaving work early because of illness, she finds an altogether too familiar face awaiting her in her flat: a man known as the Hand of God.
It turns out that Zoe was raised in a reclusive and oppressive religious commune and the Hand has appeared to convince her to return.
The narrative is split between Then, when Zoe was a young woman struggling to adhere to the strict rules, and Now, with Zoe seeking to free her friend Amy from the clutches of the sect.
The story convincingly portrays the ways in which a religious sect controls and manipulates its followers and exposes the hypocrisies of its leaders.
There is mystery and intrigues and the pace never lets up. A superb read.
(I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review)
It turns out that Zoe was raised in a reclusive and oppressive religious commune and the Hand has appeared to convince her to return.
The narrative is split between Then, when Zoe was a young woman struggling to adhere to the strict rules, and Now, with Zoe seeking to free her friend Amy from the clutches of the sect.
The story convincingly portrays the ways in which a religious sect controls and manipulates its followers and exposes the hypocrisies of its leaders.
There is mystery and intrigues and the pace never lets up. A superb read.
(I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review)
December 31, 2024
Just because one can write a book, does not mean one should.
Read
March 17, 2023(DNF @ 40%) I really wanted to like this story about a cult survivor being drawn back into the murky world of 'Home' in order to save their sister. But the pace is too slow for me, with too many scenes that seem to exist only to establish Something That Will Be Important Later.
Also, the portrayal of the cult itself reads more like YA-dystopia, with constant physical trials and humiliation, than like a realistic cult in the year 2023.
(Never really got a handle on WHY anyone would sign up to this Moonies-only-make-it-worse group. To quote Mark Vicente, formerly of NXIVM, "Nobody joins a cult; they join a good thing and then they get fucked." Couldn't figure out what about Home anyone ever thought was good.)
Also, the portrayal of the cult itself reads more like YA-dystopia, with constant physical trials and humiliation, than like a realistic cult in the year 2023.
(Never really got a handle on WHY anyone would sign up to this Moonies-only-make-it-worse group. To quote Mark Vicente, formerly of NXIVM, "Nobody joins a cult; they join a good thing and then they get fucked." Couldn't figure out what about Home anyone ever thought was good.)
April 1, 2023
It’s kind of hard to believe this is a debut. The pacing is so tight and the dual timelines dole out just enough information to keep you wanting more. It was hard to put down. Zoe, our narrator, is a complex character who I enjoyed rooting for. It’s also obvious that Steed did their cult research and put a lot of thought into the cult portrayed in the book. The details are horrifying but feel realistic. It can be brutal at times, but never gratuitously so. I definitely recommend it.
CW: murder, sexual assault, homophobia, rigid enforcement of gender roles, physical abuse, child abuse, kidnapping, psychological abuse, confinement, gaslighting
CW: murder, sexual assault, homophobia, rigid enforcement of gender roles, physical abuse, child abuse, kidnapping, psychological abuse, confinement, gaslighting
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